Epilogue: Live, Laugh, Love

***1.5 years***

This was my favorite time of day. I’d started taking a lot of joy in the simple, yet peaceful quietness of sitting out on my patio first thing in the morning, with a warm cup of tea. It was my me time before the day really started. Sometimes these moments lasted longer than others. Today would be a short day as I heard wailing coming from the other side of the house. I welcomed the distraction because it meant I was going to keep busy instead of watching the clock.

“Good morning Graham.” His eager little arms reached out for me. 

Most days he was the first one up as if he knew he had to get the attention before his sisters woke. The only problem with that his crying usually woke up the other three. He was lucky this morning, his sisters seemed to be snoozing away still. After a quick diaper change, the two of us exited the room quietly.

“You hungry baby boy?”

“‘Ood, ‘ood,” he babbled happily in response.

“Yes, mommy will feed you. How about some banana nut oatmeal?”

I got him strapped into his chair before preparing his breakfast. The self-feeding stage was messy, especially when all four ate at the same time but it was all a part of the growing up thing. With each new milestone, I was a little sad at the fact these were my last babies, but at the same time I was relieved. They were getting older, doing more, which meant their personalities were starting to come through. They were all so very different, and even though they wore me out most days, I loved every minute.

“Are you excited to see sissy today?”

Graham frowned and shook his head. “No sissy!”

I laughed at his reaction. Most days they got along, but some days it did seem like the girls ganged up on him. If he had a toy that they wanted, they would just snatch it from him. Most times he didn’t even put up a fight. It’s like he already knew it was a lost cause. If they were like this now as toddlers I only imagined what the next few years had in store for me. I heard the beginning sounds of light talking coming from their room. The others were waking, my day was really about to take off.

Two hours later everyone was fed, dressed and happy. We were all having a good time in the play room when I heard the car pull into the driveway. I already had the door open before they got a chance to ring the bell.

“They will never be able to sneak out the house,” Finley said with a smile as she threw her arms around my neck.

“I’m sure they’ll still try. You did,” I returned. “Hi Zana dear. How are you?”

Continue Reading: "Epilogue: Live, Laugh, Love"

Chapter 131: Misery Loves Company

Two days. It’d been two days since Amari had dropped off the kids and gotten upset after seeing Jenelle. She took off and hadn’t returned my calls, hell she wouldn’t even take calls from the kids. She sent some vague ass message to them about needing time for herself, that she was fine, and that one of the kids needed to take care of the dogs. She left no way to reach her in case of an emergency, she just took off.

The ceramic tiles in the shower cracked under the impact of my punch. How could she just take off like that? How could I make her take off like that? Things were to the point that I didn’t even know what I was doing anymore.

Shutting off the water, I stepped out of the shower, not feeling any more relaxed than when I got in. Since finding out she’d taken off, there’d only been one thought in my head about where she’d gone. It’s all I could think about and each time that I called her and got voicemail those feelings of jealousy and hatred that I’d been trying to move past took a stronger foothold.  No matter how I’ve tried, based on her past actions, I’d been unable to make myself believe her when she said I was who she wanted. 

Something in the back of my mind kept nagging at me that Amari’s settling, that she was  putting forth this effort out of guilt more than love. That thought had me rethinking my answer to her question last time we talked. While I did love Amari and admittedly a part of me always would, was I hanging on for the wrong reasons? My actions were pushing her away. I was now doing the same thing she’d done, sabotaging things whether it was consciously or unconsciously, it was happening.

I was an ass for not talking to her for weeks, but I didn’t know what to say. I’d used my wife in the worst possible way and to hear she let me because of my past attitude towards her stripped away everything I was trying to reclaim. I was left with feelings of shame, completely embarrassed that I could have stooped so low. Like she’d said, I was supposed to be better than him.

The doorbell rang bringing my thoughts back to the present. I needed to get my day started. Jenelle was already here and I heard her footsteps as she walked across the hardwoods to answer the door. Voices. A male voice. His voice. My mind had to be playing tricks on me because there was no way that he would be at my house. Hell, how would he even know where I lived? As soon as the question popped into my head, the answer followed. He had to have gotten the information from Amari. 

The sight before me was the last thing I expected. That son of a bitch was holding my daughter, giving her a bottle like it was the most natural thing in the world for him.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

The smug bastard smiled at me. “With all the kids you’ve made, I’d have thought this would be fairly obvious. Your very sexy…assistant here had her hands full so I offered to help.”

“I…I’m sorry Marcus, he said he was a friend,” Jenelle stated, clearly picking up on the tension that quickly filled the room.

“Friend? There’s a lot of things I’d call you, but friend wouldn’t be one of them,” I responded keeping my eyes fixed on Mulo. “Jenelle, please take Gwen and Gracie upstairs and stay up there with all of them until he leaves. Which should be shortly,” I added.

She nodded before walking over to gather Gwen from him. Mulo’s eyes followed Jenelle as she walked up the stairs. “I can see why you hired her. The sexy nanny thing, a lot of men have that fantasy. You even have the built in excuse of having actual kids for her to also take care of. A win/win.”

Jenelle cast a quick glance over her shoulder and smiled. I ignored his implication, it was the same one Amari hinted at when she was here. She instantly assumed I was sleeping with Jenelle. It was the excuse she needed to go running back to him guilt free this time and she seemingly wasted no time in doing so. I sent her running straight to him.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 131: Misery Loves Company"

Chapter 130: Destination Unknown

It’d been close to three weeks since I’d talked to Marcus. When he came to pick up Zana and Finley for their move he’d only given me a courteous hello. We talked a little about getting them settled. We’d decided that only one of us would go this time since it’d be a drive instead of flying in order to get their stuff cross country. When he got back, I’d expected him to come pick up the quads for his visit, but he sent me a text asking if I was okay to keep them for another week. I didn’t know what to make of things. I’d thought that night we’d made some headway, that we’d gotten over that wall and could be on the path to working things out finally, but now I didn’t have any clue where things stood.

As I rounded the corner of his street, I wondered if we’d finally have some sort of conversation about us or if he would just take them then ask me to leave. He’d moved clear across town in his attempt to get as far away from me as possible. The townhouse he rented was in a nice area. There was a park across the street which was good since he had virtually no yard. I didn’t know what his long term plans were, for a short while the fact that he didn’t go and buy a place was my comfort during the lonely nights right after he’d moved.

I didn’t want to acknowledge the real reason; he was eager to go and renting was a hell of a lot faster than buying. In the months following, we’d not discussed his long term plans, so for all I knew he could be house hunting now, looking to put down permanent roots in a home he wasn’t going to share with me.

Pulling into his driveway sent my nerves into overdrive. Taking a deep breath, I steadied my nerves before sending him a text so he’d know I was here, then got out to start unbuckling carseats. Marcus used to be the person that would make all these feelings of uncertainty and fear go away. Now he caused them any time I was faced with being around him.

  

“You’re early,” I heard him say from behind. He walked around to the other side of the car and started getting Graham free from his seat.

He was freshly showered. The faint scent of his soap lingered in the air. I could see droplets of water still on his skin as if he’d dressed in a hurry.

“Oh, sorry. It’s not that early and you haven’t seen them in weeks, so…”

“No, it’s fine.”

Continue Reading: "Chapter 130: Destination Unknown"

Chapter 126-Dirty Laundry

Seeing that sign in the front yard made everything real. After Amari told me she wanted to sell, the next day she called out a realtor and we signed the paperwork. We didn’t talk much about it, but we didn’t talk much about anything since she’d gotten home. I’d shut her out and after our fight, so she stopped trying to get in. Being near Amari hurt and I turned that pain into anger fully directed at her. Nearly every comment I’d made to her seemed to inflict pain.

I wasn’t trying to, or at least I didn’t believe I was trying to be so spiteful towards her, but deep down I wanted her to hurt like I hurt. She took it. She didn’t try to fight back or defend herself, she just took it. She’d given up on us, threw away what we could have had. I hated what she’d done to us. I hated her choices and her actions that led us down this path, and as angry as I was at her, I hated that she made me want to hurt her like that. I loved that woman, and after being reunited again, I thought it was our destiny to be together forever after all the forces that tried to keep us apart failed.

I loved her. I’ve only ever loved Amari, even when she left me behind after her sister’s death, I still loved her. I don’t know if I knew how to live without loving her, but I was going to have to figure it out.

Getting out of the car, I took a deep breath and put my game face on. It was strange walking up to the door as a visitor. This was our home, the place we were going to raise our family and grow old together. This house held so much promise. We’d renewed our wedding vows in the backyard, she’d recommitted to me, to us and I really thought we had a chance. His interference, her love of him, it chipped away at what I now know to have been a shaky foundation until it collapsed.

When I approached the front door, I started to unlock it, but stopped. This wasn’t my home anymore, I’d moved out two weeks ago, I couldn’t just walk in like I still belonged here. I rang the bell.

“Here mom, I think she’s hungry.” I heard Amari say.

“I’ll get it.” Finley called out. “Daddy!” she said throwing her arms around my neck.

“Hey kiddo.”  It was hard to believe she was graduating in a few days. “Interesting choice of color,” I said picking up a lock of her hair.

“What do you mean interesting? It’s my natural color.”

“That’s why it’s interesting. I don’t think I’ve seen that since you were little,” I joked.

Finley playfully hit my arm before turning to head back into the house. The sounds of talking and the cooing of the babies greeted me as I followed.

“Marcus, how nice to see you,” Kathy said walking over to give me a hug. “I want you to meet Adrian.”

Continue Reading: "Chapter 126-Dirty Laundry"

Chapter 125-Elephant In The Room

I spent the night curled up in Marcus’ office after he’d walked out. I sat in his office feeling the same empty, all-consuming ache that I’d had when he was missing. I sat there on the floor for hours until the sounds of life coming from above made their way into my consciousness. I pulled myself up off the floor and slowly made my way upstairs. I heard Finley in the kitchen along with the cooing of one of the babies. I quickly darted upstairs to clean myself up before she saw me. As I got to the top of the stairs, Marcus was coming out of the nursery.

Our eyes met briefly. I wanted to say something. Hoped maybe he’d speak, but instead there was silence. I turned and headed into our room, closing the door quietly behind me. Leaning against the door, I listened and waited. Waited to see if he’d come knock even though I knew he wouldn’t. Marcus was very clear last night. It was over with us and the sounds of his footsteps on the stairs reminded me of that.

I’d hurt him. I’d hurt him so deeply and I had been blind to it. What happened to me? When did I become this person? This selfish, self-absorbed bitch capable of causing so much pain and heartache to the best man I’ve ever known? Pushing off the door, I slowly made my way to the bathroom. My eyes were red and puffy from spending most of the night crying. I grabbed a wash cloth and ran it under the cold water before pressing it to my face.

These next few weeks were going to be hard, but unavoidable. I’d tried to push him away once, to save him from me and he’d insisted on staying. Now he was running when I wanted to keep him and as much as it hurt, I had to let him go. That’s how I could start to make up for the wrongs I’d done to Marcus. He wanted free of me, so he’d get his freedom. Once I pulled myself together, I followed the sound of voices and found everyone in the living room.

“Hey Mrs. Smith,” Zana greeted. She and Finley were playing with two of the babies. I glanced over at Marcus who was taking a crying Graham from the swing.

“Hey Zana, dear. How are you today?” I asked hoping my face didn’t show how I was feeling.

Marcus looked in my direction briefly before making some comment about Graham needing a fresh diaper then quickly leaving the room. The dance had begun.

During the day Marcus and I interacted only when necessary. We’d care for the babies, handled Finley’s end of the year things and tried our best to function as a family unit. At night we’d go our separate ways.

I hated being in our room so I’d obsessively clean things that didn’t need cleaning or I’d sit out by the pool. Other nights, I’d fall asleep on the couch or go for long walks. Marcus stayed in the boys’ old room. Some nights I’d hear him working out or doing whatever down in his office.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 125-Elephant In The Room"

Chapter 122-The Final Straw

My head rested on the steering wheel as I sat in the garage. I know I couldn’t stay in here long since I was positive Marcus would have heard my arrival. I’d missed Finley and the quads and was eager to see them, but facing Marcus was going to be hard.

Mulo and I had spent the night together going over his plan to rid me of Marisol. It was risky, but could work. I'd be free of her, I just had to hope Ceula was alright. He had everything planned out, apparently he’d been working on this for a while. Afterwards he stayed and we spent the remaining hours just talking. We both knew this thing needed to be over. I couldn't imagine life that didn't include him on some level. He'd told me he planned on permanently relocating to his home in France, he needed the distance as much as I did. It was the only way to make this work.

All night we spent together fighting the desire we both knew was there. All night we spent enjoying what time we had left. I’d stopped by to see Trey before coming home. He was still a wreck, and Ashley wanted her mother. The kids had been doing a good job stopping by and helping out. I couldn’t wait until that bitch was dead for what she was doing to my family. She needed to pay for all the pain and suffering and I was going to be there when she took her final breath.

Realizing I couldn't delay any longer, I climbed out of the car so I could face my husband. Finley and Zana were in the dining room working on home work.

“Hey mom,” she said with a smile getting up to hug me.

She looked different, older somehow. Her hair was dyed an electric blue color with gray streaks. Behind her smile, I could see the same weariness and fear we all had with Ceula still missing. Bynni had even attempted to reach out to Marisol, hoping to reason with her on some level, but she couldn’t find her either. We were all stressed and worried. Angry!

“Hey sweetie, how are you?” She shrugged in response.

“Hi Mrs. Smith.”

“Hello, Zana. What are you girls working on?”

“Calculus,” they both answered with defeat in their voices.

I heard cooing coming from the steps followed by his voice as he talked to one of the babies. My heart rate increased. After Mulo left this morning, I threw away the clothes I’d been in and took a hot shower. I needed to wash away any traces of him because it seemed Marcus had his scent committed to memory and would know the moment I was close. Feelings of guilt settled on me. My actions were that of an unfaithful woman, but I’d not crossed that line, however the lack of sex didn’t make me any less a cheater.

I walked into the hall in time to see Marcus holding Graham. From the way he looked at me, for a moment I thought he knew, but then a smile spread across his face.

“Mommy’s home,” he said to the wiggling bundle in his arms. “How was your trip?” he asked, buckling Graham into the swing.

I watched the gentleness of his actions as he cared for our son. He was a good man, no matter how much I pushed his limits with my actions, he stays and keeps trying to make things work. He’d lost so much. We’d lost so much. I loved him. I’d married him three times. I could be happy with him. I would be happy with him, I just needed to make sure he was happy with me. I needed to uphold my wedding vows. Forsake all others.

When he turned to face me, I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on tightly. Marcus wrapped his arms around my waist in response. “Baby did something happen in Riverview?”

Keeping my face buried in his chest, I nodded slightly.

“Are you going to tell me what?”

“Just hold me for a minute please.”

“I can do that.”

His strong arms tightened around me, this was my safe place. When he held me, I just felt like things would be okay, like everything was alright with the world. I wished I could stay here forever and never have to think about the outside world, but the cries that came from upstairs was one of the many reasons that wasn’t possible.

“I’ll get her.”

Marcus reached for my arm as I pulled away. “Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

I gave him a weak smile, and a quick kiss on the lips. My hand caressed his cheek, “Not right now.”

Marcus didn’t push and let me walk off. I held my baby close, breathing in her soft baby powder scent. First the change, then this thing with Marisol had kept me from really bonding with them. I was missing out on so much, time I wouldn’t be able to get back. When Marcus and I had talked on the phone, he’d told me Gwen had rolled over for the first time. He was so excited and I’d not been here to see it. Her little fingers wrapped around mine and we just stared at each other. The sweet innocence they all possessed was comforting. They were too young to know what was going on and although Marisol’s games were keeping me from spending as much time as I liked, this was the most she’d affect their lives.

“Your daddy loves you,” I said keeping my voice low. “He’s a good man and a great father. You and your siblings are really lucky to have him and no matter what happens he will always be there for you and love you.”

She gave me a toothless grin in response.

“She might be hungry.” His voice made me jump. “I’m not supposed to be able to sneak up on you,” Marcus said handing me the bottle.

“I guess I just tuned out the world as I spent some much needed bonding time with my babies.”

Marcus just smiled before checking on the other two who were starting to wake. We easily worked as a team getting the girls changed and fed. Marcus had asked me again about Riverview, but I told him I wanted to talk about it later. I knew I was going to tell him, but I just wanted to wait. I wanted to enjoy the time with them without the tension and frustration that would seep in once I told him about my trip. I hated this position I found myself in and I felt like I was sinking into a bigger hole. I just wanted this to be over. I wanted my life to be uncomplicated.

Finley was trying her best to maintain as normal a routine as possible given the circumstances. She tried to keep her grades up, and do things that high schoolers should be doing. It was hard to believe she was a senior, set to graduate in a few short months. Over dinner she excitedly told me she’d been accepted to the Bridgeport Art Academy.

“Wow…Fin, um Bridgeport? When did you decide to go there? I didn’t realize you were even applying for colleges yet.”

“Well, yeah Mom. We talked about it remember. I was applying to there and two others...” She looked disappointment that I wasn't able to recall the conversation.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 122-The Final Straw"

Chapter 119-Putting It Aside

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Marcus held me, kissing the top of my head and giving me the comfort I so desperately needed in that moment. She was out to hurt me in every way she could. These riddles were not just opening old wounds, but also filling them with buckets of salt. Each one seemed to cause me more grief than the one before it.

“We have to go to Eden Woods Memorial Gardens,” I said quietly.

“What’s…” he didn’t need to finish that sentence when it dawned on him what I’d said. Marcus wrapped his arms tighter around me and I welcomed the embrace.

“I’m going to take you home and I’ll go.”

“No,” I said pulling away. I wiped the tears from my eyes. “I can do this.”

“Amari, you don’t have to.” He stepped closer to me and for the first time since I got home I felt the warmth and caring I used to get from him. “My attitude hasn’t helped and I’m sorry. I’m angry and hurt and when this is all over, there will be a lot we’re going to have to talk about. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but right now, you need me and my support and you have that. Fully.”

I looked up at him and gave him a weary smile. I had to focus on the right now because it may be all I’d have. I stretched up on my toes and pressed my lips to his. I expected him to pull away, but he didn’t. His arms tightened around me, his mouth took control. Our tongues danced, the kiss was desperate. 

I pressed my body against his hoping he could feel how much I needed him, how much I loved him. His fingers tangled in my hair, yanking my head to the side as he broke from the kiss. His nose ran down the side of my neck, my hands clawed at his back, all senses heightened. The deep woodsy scent of his cologne tickled my nose. I wanted him in that moment more than I’d ever wanted anything in life. I felt his fangs scrape my neck, his other hand moved down to cup my ass, giving it a hard squeeze. My body prepared itself for what it hoped would come; the scent of my arousal was mingled in the air around us. Marcus let out a low groan before leaning up to look at me. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“We should go.”

I felt instantly cold and alone without his body pressed to mine. I put my hand on my tingling lips, recalling the passion we’d shared just moments before and nodded in agreement. The ride to the cemetery was quiet, but Marcus held my hand, softly stroking my knuckles with his thumb.

When we arrived, Marcus held my hand as we walked to the graves where the twins were laid to rest. The hydrangeas were in full bloom creating a beautiful back drop. A gentle breeze blew causing the tall sunflowers to sway. Light, floral scents were dispersed into the air. The cool air caressed my arms causing goosebumps to pop up on my skin. The sounds of birds chirping in the distance was the only thing that disrupted the silence. I pulled my hand free as we approached. There was a rose and a note sitting atop one of the tombstones. I placed a kiss on both, then handed Marcus the items before taking a seat in the plush, well manicured grass.

“It’s been too long since I visited last.” I said softly. “I should do better, but you’re always in mommy’s heart.” I brushed away stray leaves that were scattered around. Running my hand over the cold, smooth marble I traced the outline of the baby booties that were engraved on the name plates.

Marisol was an evil bitch. It’s not that I didn’t like coming here, I had on different occasions, but they should never have been used in this sick game of hers. She already had one of my children and now she’d trampled over their memory. I couldn't understand how someone so heartless could exist in this world. Whatever plan Mulo had in place I hope called for her slow and painful death.

I stood, wiping tears from my eyes. “What does it say?”

Marcus opened the note. “Lies and deceit did heartache bring, she is now the one that wears the ring.”

I felt myself frown. “Ring? What that makes no sense.”

Marcus clenched his jaw for a moment before speaking. “Did…Mulo ever give you one?” I shook my head. “Maybe he gave one to her then.”

An irrational ping of jealousy went through me that I quickly pushed away. “It’s possible, but…”

“But what?”

“I need to talk to George first. They use to date, that’s why this all started, so it’s possible maybe they were engaged.”

Marcus looked relieved that I wouldn’t have to see Mulo, at least not yet. Who knew how many more clues I’d have and where they’d lead me. My only prayer in all of this was that Marisol hadn’t done anything to Ceula. Mainly restoring her memories of her time with David. I didn’t want my baby to relive that.

When we got home, George was gone but he’d left a number with Aric. After having dinner and checking on the babies, I went to my room to call him. The sooner I got this over the better. He answered on the fourth ring.

“Did you ever give Marisol a ring?” He was silent on the other end. “George, did you hear me?”

“I wish you wouldn’t call me that, Amari. I am still your father.”

“You lost the right to be called father when you traded the lives of both me and my sister to keep your lie going.”

Marcus walked in and took a seat on the bed. He didn't say anything, his presence alone was enough to give me comfort.

“Will you ever forgive me for what I’ve done?” George sounded so different now. Gone was he anger and hostility he’d held onto even when faced with his actions. Now he sounded like a dejected old man looking for solace.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 119-Putting It Aside"

Chapter 115-Homecoming

I put Gabriella back in her crib. She was the last one fighting sleep, but luckily she didn’t wake her siblings. I look around the newly decorated nursery courtesy of Bynni, CeCe, and Nina. They all got together to redo the place as a surprise to me and Amari. Amari. I felt my anger surge at the thought of her still with him. It had been nearly 2 months since he took her. To make matters worse I had no idea where she was. The only communication made had been through Aric.

I left the nursery and headed to the empty master bedroom. Two months I’ve slept in that bed alone, worried, wondering. She hasn’t called or even written. She’s with him and I know exactly why she hasn’t called to talk to me. The thoughts that haunt me at night again start racing through my mind. She’s with him…she’s been with him. The longer she stayed gone, the more I doubted she’ll ever return. That man has always wanted her, and now he has her. 

I remembered my change very well, the insatiable appetite…for all things. I tried to tell myself she was being held against her will, that he was holding her somewhere and keeping her from contacting her family, but that was becoming harder and harder to believe. Whatever they had together, it clouded her judgment and now she would be even more open to his influence. I needed out, I needed air; the thought of losing her to that bastard was suffocating me.

Amari POV

I was nervous as I stood looking out at the water. I hadn’t called to let anyone know I was coming. I was scared. Mulo brought me to the small beach not far from the house. I knew I couldn’t have him drive me home and this place was always good for a little escape. I could steady my nerves before heading home.

“Are you ready for this, Love?” he asked taking my hand.

I smiled and nodded. Taking a deep breath, I pulled away, preparing myself for what was to come. He’d protested me going home alone, but it was best he not be with me. Facing Marcus was going to be hard, but I needed to do it alone, it would hopefully be better that way.

With each step I took, my heart got heavier with the knowledge my marriage could end today. The door was locked, I had to ring the bell.

“Mom!” Finley cried as she threw her arms around me.

I hesitated a moment before hugging her back. I could hear the pulsing of her blood through her veins. The smell of it made my fangs lengthen involuntarily. I pressed my lips together tightly as I put my arms around her, hugging her in return tightly. I’d missed her.

“I didn’t know you were coming, Dad will be so happy to see you. Everyone will be…oh I have to make calls to let them know,” she said talking a mile a minute.

Being back home felt surreal. Finley pulled me upstairs continuing to chatter away.

“Dad, look!” she said when we got to the nursery.

Marcus held a small bundle in his arms. A lump caught in my throat as I saw one of the babies for the first time. My baby, our baby. I started to walk towards him, but stopped when he shot me a look.

“Did you know she was coming? Why didn’t you tell me I would have set up a welcome home party,” Finley continued, missing the tension that was filling the room.

“I didn’t know, your mother didn’t bother to contact anyone,” Marcus replied, keeping his eyes on me only briefly.

One of the other babies started to cry; I walked over and picked him up. My son. He was so small, but he was here, they all were.

“What is his name?” I asked turning towards where Finley was only to find her gone. Marcus finished his task of changing the baby’s diaper then started out of the room.

“Graham,” he said pausing in the doorway.

I was left alone holding my tiny baby. For the first time I looked around the room noticing it was different. I liked the new look. After getting Graham taken care of, I took a look at the other babies. I laughed seeing that we had three girls. Three girls and a boy…

“There’s four of them,” I said to the air. Mulo had told me about them, but seeing them now in person made it real.

“Yep, and man are they a handful. But you’ll be happy to know we’ve all pitched in to help Dad out since they came home,” Finley said, appearing out of nowhere. “Everyone will be here in about an hour; they were so excited to know you were home.”

I gave her a warm smile, it felt good to have someone excited to have me back. We went to her room to talk about everything I’d missed while gone. Things at school were going well. The principle had been reassigned and the guys that had attacked her and Zana were suspended. She said Marcus wanted to file assault charges, but she talked him out of it because she just wanted the whole thing to be behind her.

She also filled me in on the nursery redo, I couldn’t wait to see the girls to thank them for what they had done. I stayed in the room with Finley letting her talk and grill me on how I felt. We stayed there until I heard the doorbell ring.

I knew I’d have to face Marcus when I went down there and that thought terrified me. I tried to act like everything was okay. I smiled, I laughed, I hugged, and I noticed that my husband chose not to remain in the same room with me for long periods of time; in fact he spent most of his time upstairs in the nursery. I wasn’t the only one to notice, but no one said anything. Aric reminded me he was just a phone call away before he left. Cece convinced Finley to come home with her, so it was just me, Marcus and the babies.

I walked into the nursery as he was putting Gabby down. I picked up Gwen, changed her diaper and made sure she was fed while Marcus took care of Gracie. When he was done, he left the room while I tended to Graham. I stayed in the nursery for a while just watching them, and stalling. They were sleeping peacefully and I told them all how much I loved them and had missed them.

I entered the room expecting to find Marcus, only it was empty. I checked the boys’ old room, also empty. Did he leave? I heard faint grunts coming from downstairs, I followed the sound until I found him. He was in the gym, punching the bag with such force I was sure it was going to break.

His eyes glanced up and saw me, he swung again, the seam ripped, I turned to shield my eyes from the flying sand. A weight settled in my stomach. I knew this would be hard, I knew he would be angry, but I was unprepared for the level of hostility rolling off of him. Marcus moved past me without so much of a glance in my direction.

“Marcus, talk to me,” I pleaded.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 115-Homecoming"